Propagating a 50-Year-Old Floribunda Rose from Cuttings

A gardener wants to propagate a 50+ year old floribunda rose from their father's garden in South Dakota (zone 4).

Take Multiple Cuttings

Success rates vary; take at least 10 softwood cuttings. Follow a reliable guide (e.g., RainySide Garden's cutting tutorial) for best results.

Why Cuttings, Not Division

Modern roses are grafted onto rootstock; dividing the bush won't work. Cuttings produce own-root clones of the desired variety.

Key Tips

• Use softwood cuttings in early summer.
• Root in sterile medium with high humidity.
• Expect some failures—hence the need for many cuttings.

This preserves a family heirloom for generations.